Hermetic refrigerant compressor



Jan. 30, 1951 J. TOUBORG HERMETIC REFRIGERANT coMPREssoR` 3 Sheets-Shee l Filed Sept. 16, 1947 Jens Touw A BY INVENTOR Jan. 30, 1951 J. TouBoRG HERMETIC REFRIGERANT COMPRESSOR 3 Sheets-Sheet Filed Sept. 16, 1947 @Jens Touorg,

J. TOUBORG HERMETIC REFRIGERANT COMPRESSOR Jan. so, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 16, 1947 'fm m K INVENTOR. Je Toumai@ l /l ATToRN/Y Patented Jan. 30, 1951 HERMETIC REFRIGERAN T COMPRESSOR Jens Touborg, Tecumseh, Mich., assigner to Tecumseh Refrigeration Sales and Engineering Company, Tecumseh, Mich.

Application September 16, 1947, Serial No. 774,323

This invention relates to a hermetically sealed compressor, and it has particular reference to a compressor suitable for use in a refrigeration system, and its coordination with the condenser employed therein.

One purpose of the invention is to provide a hermetic compressor, adapted to be driven by a fractional horsepower motor, which is extremely compact and of relatively small dimensions for its capacity, so that, when assembled in a domestic box. a greater percentage of the box volume may be given over to food storage. Another feature in providing such a compact unit is to decrease the space between the heat-generating elements of the compressor and the casing, whereby cooling may be more readily effected. Other aspects of the invention involve an improved internal resilient mounting for the compressor and motors; provision of built-in mufer chambers to minimize the development of noise; and simplifications of construction and assembly conducive to economies in manufacture. The invention also contemplates the combination of the compressor with a flue type condenser, whereby the high side of the refrigeration system may be fabricated as a unit.

The invention may be more readily understood by a perusal of the following description of a typical embodiment, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the compressorcondenser assembly, shown as it appears when mounted for service in a domestic refrigerator;

Fig. 2 is a rear elevation of the assembly of Fig. 1:

Fig. 3 is a vertical section through the compressor;

Fig. 4 is a bottom plan of the compressor and its internal mounting, the casing being shown in section as indicated by the line 4--4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary section taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 5.

Referring first to Figs. 1 and 2, there is shown a hermetic compressor casing II provided with dlametrically opposed outstanding flanges I2, which are bolted to short flange sections I3 and I4 respectively of upright columns I5 and I6. These columns are, except for the region of the short flange sections, of angular cross section, each having a ange I1 parallel to the short flange sections, 'and a flange I8 at right angles thereto. The two facing flanges I8 of the c'olumns provide a support for a refrigerant condenser IB, herein shown as 'a n and tube type 5 Claims. (Cl. 230-58) having a continuous coil of tubing consisting oi parallel transverse stretches 2l connected by return bends 22 and vertically disposed spaced fins 23. The flanges I8 may be formed with open end slots 24 to receive the several tube stretches 2I and thereby firmly support the condenser with outermost edges of the fins disposed between plumb lines passing through the front and back surfaces of the compressor casing I I.

The column flanges II provide means for mounting the assembly on the rear of a domestic refrigerator cabinet, as schematically indicated in Fig. 1. Herein, the dot and dash lines 25 and 26 represent the internal and external walls of the box, and the flanges I1 are connected to the external wall inv any suitable manner. It will be seen that the compressor is suspended on the columns below the condenser, and when the box is positioned close to the room wall 21, an induced draft of cooling air will flow from the floor beneath the compressor and up the flue-like space between box and wall, thereby to extract heat from the high side portions of the refrigeration system.

The refrigerant circuit is also illustrated-in part schematicallyin Figs. 1 and 2. Compressed refrigerant ilows from the casing II through a discharge line 28 into the upper stretch 2I of the condenser I9, through the several convolutions, and thence through a liquid strainer 29 into a, capillary feed tube 3l which may pass between the box walls 25 and 26 into the refrigerant evaporator 32, disposed in the food storage compartment. Expended refrigerant vapor returns to the compressor through a suction line 33. Automatic control of the cycle of operations is effected in the usual manner, current being supplied to the compressor motor through a conductor cord 30.

It will be seen that the short flange sections I3 and I4 not only provide pads for connecting the casing II to the columns I5 and I6, but that one of them also provides a housing for the various electrical connections and motor auxiliaries. In practice, the short flange sections may be formed by welding plates to standard angle irons, or they may be formed by cutting away excessive portions of one flange of channel irons. The motor lead terminals 35 are brought through the wall of the casing II adjacent one flange I2, to project through an opening 36` cut in the flange I8 of one column, as, for example, the column I5 provided with the short flange section I3. End closure members 3l and 38 are secured between the flanges I3 and Il adjacent the ends of the flange I3, and a removable cover plate (not shown) `may subsequently be positioned over the open surface shown in Fig. l. Provision is thereby made to locate the starting and overload rclays, and points of service connections, exteriorly of the casing, where they are readily accessible, and withal to enclose them against dust and unauthorized tampering.

The casing Il is formed from two sections 4I and 42, substantially circular in outline and relatively shallow, thus forming a generally cylindrical casing, wherein, in the embodiment shown, the diameter is greater than the axial length. These are welded together along abutting ilanges 48 and 44, and these flanges, in the assembled unit, as shown in Figs. l and 2, are vertically disposed, rather than horizontally, as has heretofore been common practice. 'I'he mounting flanges l2 are each provided with arcuate webs 45 for connection to the casing section 42, the web adjacent the terminals 85 of course being slotted. The motor and compressor assembly is mounted within the casing, with the motor shaft disposed in an upright position, or at right angles to the casing axis, as is clearly shown in Fig. 3.

'I'his assembly comprises a substantially circular and relatively thin main casting 46 provided at diametrically opposed pointswith outstanding lugs 41, each of which is transversely bored to accommodate mounting means, as will presently be described. The casting 46 is centrally formed with an upstanding bearing boss 48 which is axially bored to receive a main shaft 48. The upper end of the shaft 49 receives a bored and counterbored quill 5I whose internal shoulder seats on the upper end of the boss 48 to provide a thrust and supporting bearing. The quill is retained on the shaft by set screws 52. Lubricating oil is supplied to both the radial and thrust bearings by means of a spiral groove 53 cut in the shaft 48,'which is fed by splashing from oil contained in the casing I I, or by other desired means. A drain hole 6I in the web of the casting 46 permits oil to return to the pool beneath.

Jlhe exterior cylindrical surface of the quill 5I serves as a supporting mandrel for the rotor 54 of an electric motor 55, the stator 56 of which is contained in a cylindrical sleeve 51 internally shouldered at its ends. One end of the sleeve is positioned on a cooperatively shouldered concentric rim 5a formed on the casting 46, thereby to retain the motor components in operative relationship. Lead wires 59 from the motor windings extend through a suitably located aperture 6I (Fig. 4) in the casting 46, for connection to the inner ends of the terminals 85.

The lower end of the motor shaft 49 extends through and below the casting 46, where it is offset to provide a crank arm 62 from which depends a crank pin '68. A cylinder block 64 formed with a cylinder 65 is secured to the lower side of the casting 46 by screws 66. The cylinder is tted with a reciprocating piston 61 operatively connected to the pin 63. As shown in Figs. 3, 4, and 6, this connection is made by a crosshead 68 into which the pin 63 projects, and the crosshead is guided for transverse reciprocating motion in a slotted cylindrical yoke 69 secured to the end of the piston 61. The crank arm 62 is provided with a counterweight 1 I The motor and compressor assembly is internally mounted within the casing Il by a resilient suspension cooperating with the previously referred to casting lugs 41. The casing sections 4I and 42 are each provided with spaced pad portions 'I8 and 14 respectively. located radially 4 equidistant from the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical dimension ot the casing. and in an axial horizontal plane passing therethrough. Opposed pads may therefore be brought into alignment when the two casing sections are superimposed. As best shown in Figs. 4 and 5, each pad is provided, on its inner surface, with abutments or sockets 16 which may conveniently be welded thereto. The ends of transverse supporting rods 16 extend into and are retained by the aligned sockets, and these rods pass through the openings 11 in the casting lugs 41. Each rod is surrounded by a coiled spring 18, which may be of double conical shape. and the springs also pass through the openings 11, and abutthe ends of the sockets 16.

Inasmuch as the springs 18 are helical, the openings 11 may be internally threaded, so that the springs may be screwed into them and bind when the major spring diameter reaches the center of the openings. In making the assembly, the casting 46, motor 55, and compressor are put together, and the springs are positioned in the lugs 41. The casing section 42 is then laid on its side, as shown in Fig. 4, and the rods 16 are placed in the sockets 15 to stand in a vertical position. 'I'he springs are then pushed over the ends of the rods until they abut the sockets, and then the casing section 4I is placed on the upper ends of the rods and pressed down until the anges 43 and 44 abut. This will place the springs 18 under some compression, tending to expand the coils within the openings 11, and thereby preventing lateral displacement. The small ends of the springs grip the rods 16 adjacent the pads 15, but at the large diameter there is clearance, as is shown in Fig. 5. I'his provides a transverse resilient suspension of the motor and compressor, eifectively supporting the assembly in all directions.

As best shown in Figs. 4 and 6, the cylinder block 64 is formed with laterally projecting portions 8I and 82, each of which is internally cored to provide muiiler chambers for both incoming and discharged refrigerant. The suction vapors returning through the line 33 enter the top of the casing II and circulate around the motor. and then enter the block 64 through a suction pipe 83 extending from the portion 82 to a point in the casing'above the casting 46, and therefore above the oil level. The pipe 83 communicates Awith the cored chamber 84, and through it with the inlet passage 85 which is drilled in the head end of the block 64. Compressed refrigerant finds its way to a drilled duct 86 communicating with a cored chamber 81 in the portion 8|, which is also provided with an outlet fitting 88 leading to a discharge line 89. The line 85 is coiled in the oil bath, so that the heat of the compressed refrigerant will aid in eliminating refrigerant dissolved in the lubricant. The discharge line passes through the wall of the casing section 42 for connection to the condenser, as heretofore described. The provision of mumer chambers on both the inlet and discharge side ofthe cylinder, and the building of such chambers into the block, greatly reduces the tendency to develop noise, and also simplifies construction and assembly.

I'he ducts 85 and 86 are .covered by a valve plate 9| and -a cylinder head 92, conveniently secured by bolts 483 to the block 64. T'he head 82 is provided with an internal wall 94 abutting the plate 9| between its inlet and outlet ports and 86. The plate is also provided with in' wardly and outwardly opening valve leaves for the ports` and with openings 91 and 98 registering with the ducts 85 and 86.

It is believed that the operation 4will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. When current is supplied to the motor 55 in response to an increase in the low side pressure in the evaporator, the piston 6l is reciprocated to draw refrigerant vapor through the pipe -83 into the cylinder 65, where it is compressed and thenL discharged through the line 89, connected to the line 29 leading to the condenser I9. In passing through the casing II, the refrigerant aids in cooling the motor, both by conduction with the motor parts and by convection to the casing wall. Vibrations caused by the motor and compressor motion are absorbed and dampened through the suspension on the transversely disposed springs 18, while compression noises or hisses are minimized by the two mulilers 84 and 91.

It will be seen that the springs I9 provide metallic heat paths directly to the walls of. the casing II, further to aid in compressor cooling, and that the external surface of the casing is directly disposed in the path of the induced cooling air flowing laround the back of the cabinet and the condenser I9. An additional direct metallic heat dissipating path is provided between the iianges I2 and the columns I5 and I6. Due to the internal mounting of the compressor and motor, it is not necessary to provide resilient connections between these parts.

The casing II is so devised as to t in close spaced relation to the compressor, thus minimizing space requirements and the internal heat path to the casing walls. It will further be seen that the components of the assembly are so organized as to lend themselves to simpliiled manufacturing operations and ease of assembly, thereby providing a highly eillcient and economical unit.

While the invention has been described with reference to a single embodiment thereof. it is not intended to limit it to the precise details shown and described, but to encompass all such variations and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Iclaim:

1. A hermetic compressor comprising a sealed casing formed of at least two sections each of which is internally provided with at least two spaced abutments, said abutments being aligned in opposed pairs when said casing is sealed, a substantially annular casting mounted in and transversely of said casing, a motor and compressor connected to said casting, hollow lugs formed on the casting at spaced portions thereof and in substantial alignment with said opposed pair of abutments, rods extending from said abutments and through said lugs, and coiled springs positioned around said rods and engaging the abutments at their ends and the internal walls of the lugs therebetween.

2. 'I'he hermetic compressor of claim 1, Awherein said coiled springs are oiy double corneal shape. the portions thereof of maximum diameter engage within the lugs, the end portions of smaller diameter engage the rods adjacent the abutments. and said springs are under compression.

3. Refrigeration apparatus comprising a hermetic compressor having a substantially cylindrical casing of less axial depth than the diameter thereof, a motor and compressor assembly resiliently mounted within the casing, motor lead terminals extending through the arcuate wall of the casing at one side thereof, diametrically opposed webs connected to said arcuate wall and having angularly disposed mounting iianges extending outwardly therefrom, one of said webs being perforated to receive said terminals, supporting columns connected to said web flanges, said column connected to said one perforated web also being perforated to receive said terminals, said perforated column being formed with outwardly extending spaced anges partially enclosing said terminals, and cover means adapted to be positioned between said ilanges further to enclose said terminals.

4. Refrigeration apparatus comprising a pair of spaced supporting columns adapted to be positioned in a vertical position, a hermetic compressor suspended, from and between said co1- umns adjacent the lower ends thereof, said compressor comprising a substantially cylindrical casing of less axial length than diameter, a motor, compressor, and supporting casting positioned in said casing, said casting being positioned in a substantially horizontal position, diametrically spaced mounting flanges connected to the arcuate wall of said casing and to said columns, spaced supporting springs for the casting extending in a horizontal direction between end walls of said cylindrical casing, thereby to mount the motor and compressor and -c-asting within the casing with the major dimension of the casing r extending vertically and the minor axial dimension extending horizontally with respect to the supporting columns.

5. A hermetic compressor comprising a two part sealed casing of generally cylindrical form, a plurality of pairs of opposed abutments formed on opposite walls of the casing, the abutments of .said pairs being respectively positioned on each of the parts of the casing in spaced relation to the axis thereof, an interconnected motor, supporting casting, and compressor within the casing in spaced relation to the inner walls thereof, said motor having its shaft disposed normal to the axis of the casing, supporting lugs formed on the casting at spaced points and in line with the opposed abutments, and coiled springs extending from said 'abutments to said lugs, said springs extending transversely of the casting and motor shaft and substantially parallel to the axis of the casing and providing supporting and vibration damping means for the motor, casting, and compressor.

JENS TOUZBORG.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le oi.' this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,310,722 Warnock July 22, 1919 1,665,871 Wood Apr. 10, 1928 1,698,306 Hull Jan. 8, 1929 2,021,298 Forsberg Nov. 19, 1935 2,028,584 Bixler Jan. 21, 1936 2,122,656 Paget July 5, 1939 2,178,811 Sateren Nov. '1, 1939 

